My second stop on the 2013 Grandwich Top 10 tour was the Express Café, located on the lower level of the Chase Bank building across from Calder Plaza at 200 Ottawa Ave. NW.

The lunch-counter style café — a tucked-away spot that seems to cater almost exclusively to north downtown office workers — quickly served up a pesto chicken sandwich aptly named The Afternoon Delight.

The guy behind the counter told me the café opted for a lighter entry amid a contest filled with meat-heavy contenders. It was appreciated. I suspect many (like myself) who work the day shift prefer not to eat a mid-day gut-buster that makes you run for a Red Bull or energy shot a couple hours later to stay awake.

The 6- to 7-inch long Afternoon Delight is built with locally smoked chicken from Sobie Meats, fresh mozzarella, tomato from Freyers Market, fresh basil from Grow Co., pesto, balsamic vinegar reduction and fresh greens on a toasted baguette. If you’re a vegetarian, the café will hold the chicken for a still-hearty sandwich.

My eyes tasted this one first. The sandwich is a delight to behold, no pun intended. Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes are an attractive combo for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

My first bite impression was that the toppings dominated the flavor profile. The thinly-sliced chicken was excellent, but probably could have been subbed for another poultry option with little notice (although why would you need to?). It definitely took a backseat to the pesto and balsamic reduction, which worked harmoniously together.

With the thick-cut fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and full basil leaves, it almost seemed like eating a caprese salad on top of a chicken sandwich.

The baguette was lightly toasted on the inside and outside. The bread ended up being my only quibble. The balsamic and pesto mix soaked the bottom a little, but not to a degree that proved a bother since I was eating at the café. I suspect, though, that this might have been more of an issue had I gotten the sandwich wrapped to go.

Bottom line: I’d go back for this sandwich. The price, $7.50, (no side), makes it a valid lunch option, contest notwithstanding. If you go, be mindful that the office building that houses the café is a bit of a maze. Keep following the signs down the stairs and you should be alright.

Reminder: the Grandwich winners, as determined by judges and a people's-choice vote, will be named at Rosa Parks Circle on 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. For those who wish to sample the sandwiches in the top 10 at the event, there is a suggested donation of $5, with proceeds going to Kids' Food Basket.